TOUR OF DUTY 1971
In last years 3RAR A Coy newsletter Bob’s recollection of his R&C in about June 1971 in Vung Tu is clouded – probably because of the drink and the quantity and quality consumed in that smoke filled haze he referred to in his great reflections in the newsletter. I need to clear up his recollection of our Anzac Day Reunion 2003 in Adelaide and was fortunate that he was able to read this before his passing.
Yes it was a reunion – great two days. By the time I arrived with my better half – he and others had consumed a fair amount of ‘drink’ and indulged in some heavy reminiscing; Bob as I remember was one of the ‘heavier’ drinkers. .
My beautiful partner (Jennifer in case you got confused) was ‘tickled pink’ or may be best described, after reading Bob’s recollection of meeting her. He described in the newsletter, a woman’s dream (that’s women pass 25yrs) and the best ‘old’ pick up line – ‘you look so young’. ‘The child bride of BJ eh!!’ he says.
My ‘child bride’ has been very busy with 3 kids ranging in age from 14 – 21years. As a gentleman I cannot give her age but by the time this makes the press – she will have passed the big ‘40!’ We have known each other for 4 years and partnered for 18 months now. So hope we have cleared that up and I am not a ‘dirty old man’ or ‘cradle snatcher’.
Now back to his story of R&C in Vungers. How did we get into the bar – the ‘Black’ bar? The music and sounds and I being tone deaf, it was Bob who followed his ear and I followed to make sure he didn’t; get into trouble.
It was a ‘Blacks’ (as known in those days in the 70’s) bar and these guys were huge…tall! (maybe the rest was as well) My most vivid memory was a black MP and his large German Shepherd. Obviously ‘they’ were both on duty as he was adorned with a uniform that would have put the Governor to shame. His white domed helmet made him at least 7 feet tall – a striking figure of a man.
As he and his dog crossed the dance floor in his immaculate uniform, adorned with citations and fully equipped with firepower this Military Policeman could not control his body nor his feet as ‘they’ hit the dance floor to the sounds of Marvin Gay. The dog did not miss a beat as his master’s body and soul quivered to the black sound of the beat. He stepped off the dance floor into our faces. His body became immediately rigid and his stance again one of military precision and the complete authority of an Afro-American MP.
As Bob said – we opened our mouths and were welcomed. Bob enjoys a drink – that night he enjoyed many and all were free if I remember. We were Aussies and were questioned all night on what we did, where we came from, kangaroos, meat pies and footy. We told ‘tall tales’ and we were made most welcome by now our ‘black’ brothers. Whites weren’t normally welcomed. It was certainly an insight into black America and we did not realise at the time how significant being there was.
Curfew what was that? We were on R&C and it was not an option to go home early. We ‘cruised’ the streets after dark – bloody idiots that we were but we were in Vietnam for the adventure and the ‘white mice’ needed a bit of exercise.
The morning found us back at the Pete B Club tanning ourselves in the early morning sun by the pool.
Bob didn’t fall in – he dived in. The noise and waves did attract attention from the duty officer. So what? Get a life mate we were on R&C and if we were going to drown we would have already in the creeks under all our gear on patrol. ”Do you know what we mean.” Was probably our typical smart arse question to a national Serviceman Officer (POGO?)
It wasn’t the first time Bob and I got into trouble with officers, late nights at the Grand Hotel with the boys or playing hide and seek after curfew and feeding local kids from the orphanage with left over rations smuggled into town.
I would put on that voice of ‘excuse me sir?” what is the problem. Do you know whom you are talking to? Or what Unit we are from? Most of the Nasho officers were so easy to fool.
R&C was a time where we had individual agendas to let off steam or get your rocks off and there was a whole range of options available.
I enjoyed my time with the Vietnamese people, the kids and in the backstreets and the fun we had just sitting back and taking in this foreign land we found ourselves in. The sights, the sounds, the smells and the beautiful women that paraded before us hurrying through the streets crowded with aussie blokes.
Yes Bob and I got our monies worth. Did you? Some things will forever remain private from our partners (and children) – so don’t brag. I’m happy with my outcomes and the lessons I learnt in 1971 around the back streets of Vungers, and how some experiences held me in good ‘stead’ (or got me more) back home. History and time, there will be many questions and sometimes we will be unable to provide answers.
For me it’s a time I will remember for the men (boys), the deeds on and off the ‘field’ and how I will deal with the future because we all had this past together The future will tell, as it has and as it will, for each of us. You all take care. Be good and kind to yourselves and families.
Bob (Bluey) thanks for the memories…be in peace as you fought a good fight twice.
~ BJ
